Creating & Connecting Opportunities

Transcription

1 Creating & Connecting Opportunities Completing the Pinellas Trail Loop Capital Application Submitted by: Location: Project Website: Project Cost: Pinellas County Board of County Commissioners and Pinellas County Metropolitan Planning Organization Pinellas County, Florida Total Cost $31,083,229; Grant Request $19,156,129 (61.63%); Local Match $11,927,100 (38.37%) METROPOLITAN PLANNING ORGANIZATION PINELLAS COUNTY, FLORIDA

2 TABLE OF CONTENTS PROJECT DESCRIPTION...1 Overview...1 PROJECT THEMES...2 Transportation Challenges...3 Increasing Economic Opportunities and Regional Mobility...4 PROJECT LOCATION...4 PROJECT PARTIES...5 GRANT FUNDS AND SOURCES/USE OF PROJECT FUNDS...7 PRIMARY SELECTION CRITERIA...8 State of Good Repair...8 Economic Competitiveness...9 Quality of Life...14 Environmental Sustainability...17 Safety...18 SECONDARY SELECTION CRITERIA...20 Innovation...20 Partnership...22 Jurisdictional and Stakeholder Collaboration...22 Disciplinary Integration...24 BENEFIT-COST ANALYSIS...24 PROJECT READINESS...25 Technical Feasibility...25 Financial Feasibility...25 Project Schedule...28 ASSESSMENT OF PROJECT RISKS AND MITIGATION STRATEGIES...28 OTHER ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEWS AND APPROVALS...29 FEDERAL WAGE RATE CERTIFICATION...30 Page ii

3 FIGURES 1. REGIONAL PRIORITY TRAIL CONNECTORS PINELLAS TRAIL LOOP PHASES CREATING LADDERS OF OPPORTUNITY INCREASED MOBILITY FOR MINORITY AND LOW INCOME POPULATIONS IMPROVE ACCESS TO HEALTHY FOOD CHOICES CRASHES AND FATALITIES POINTS OF INTEREST FDOT INVESTMENTS...26 TABLES 1. PROJECT FUNDING JOBS NEAR LOOP TRANSIT AVAILABILITY BICYCLE AND PEDESTRIAN CRASHES BENEFIT-COST RESULTS BUDGET BY QUARTER PROJECT SCHEDULE JOBS CREATED BY CONSTRUCTION...29 Page iii

4 Protecting the safety of our residents is of utmost importance in Pinellas County. Completing the Pinellas Trail Loop will provide a safe transportation facility for those residents that either do not own vehicles, or who choose to walk or bike, for commuting and to run errands throughout the county. This project will also enhance the local economy by increasing the number of people with access to shops and employment countywide. - John Morroni, Chair, Pinellas County Board of County Commissioners and MPO Board Member PROJECT DESCRIPTION Overview The Pinellas Trail Loop is a 75 mile regional trail network that will improve access to safe, reliable, and affordable transportation for the residents of Pinellas County, Florida. The majority of the project has been completed with overwhelming support from the community; however, two significant gaps, a North Gap and South Gap, remain. This project will complete the two gaps in the Loop and serve as a Ladder of Opportunity by connecting people, including low income and minority populations, to services, jobs, and educational opportunities. The current, incomplete Loop stretches from the northernmost to the southernmost areas of Pinellas County however, the increased mobility provided by the current trail is limited largely to the western portion of the County. The two gap segments are located on the eastern side of the Loop and the residents of unincorporated Pinellas County and the Cities of Oldsmar, Clearwater, Largo, Pinellas Park, and St. Petersburg, as well as the County as a whole, would greatly benefit from the increased connectivity to major employers, institutions of higher education and vocational training, public schools and many other community resources and services. This is Pinellas County s fourth request for Transportation Investment Generating Economic Recovery (TIGER) funding, and this application has been updated to reflect USDOT s Notice of Funding Availability for the FY 2015 TIGER program and to reflect the progress made in the past year. Historically, the majority of Pinellas County s development occurred post-world War II which resulted in suburban-style land use patterns with small and somewhat dispersed centers of commercial, industrial, residential uses. An unintended consequence of these land use development patterns was the need for an automobile-oriented transportation network that has resulted in a lack of connectivity to destinations and a poor safety record for vulnerable road users. Once complete, the Loop network will provide a bicycle and pedestrian network that is unprecedented in Florida. This will be a transformative improvement, enhancing the current economic, health and safety benefits of the Loop as it is now and expand Pinellas County s multimodal transportation network. The completion of the Pinellas Trail Loop is supported by regional organizations and major employers, including the Florida Greenways & Trails Foundation, Inc. and Raymond James and Associates, Inc. as well as numerous other political leaders and agencies. In addition, over 100 letters of support have been submitted for the project, representing a remarkably diverse group of legislators, businesses, educational institutions, community groups, and citizens. Page 1

5 Current end of Trail Loop at Enterprise Road Rendering of future, complete Trail Loop at Enterprise Road PROJECT THEMES Completing the Pinellas Trail Loop: Fosters a safe, connected and accessible transportation system, through a 75 mile uninterrupted multimodal transportation facility that connects to 92 schools and 192 major employers (within one half mile). Creates a reliable multimodal network, improving the efficiency of the road network, while providing an option for movement of non-motorized travelers. Improves economic mobility, bringing an estimated 487,800 residents and 280,700 jobs within onehalf mile of the 75 mile, uninterrupted, non-motorized transportation facility. More than half of the county s population will live within one-mile of the completed Loop. Provides economic opportunities, enhancing economic competitiveness by connecting residents, particularly those are currently disadvantaged, with employment, education, commercial and recreational destinations, drawing tourists to the area, and attracting new businesses along and near the corridor. Increases community transportation choices, benefiting low-income and minority neighborhoods with direct access to this multi-modal transportation facility and enhanced connections to transit, schools, commercial centers, employment, recreational and cultural facilities and community and health services. Avoids adverse environmental impacts on air quality, providing bicyclists and pedestrians with a reliable transportation alternative, reducing greenhouse gas emissions as cars are taken off the roadways. In 2013, Pinellas County experienced 1,124 pedestrian and bicycle crashes. 34 of these were fatal. 13 pedestrian and bicycle fatalities and 68 injuries occurred within one (1) mile of the Gaps. (Pinellas County Crash Data Management System, 2013) Page 2

6 Transportation Challenges Pinellas County is unique in the State of Florida. It is one of the smallest counties in the State and, at 3,309 persons per square mile, has densities unlike any other county in Florida (Broward, having 1,445 persons per square mile, is the next most dense). Pinellas County s local governments have aggressively expanded the sidewalk and bicycle lanes network to meet increased demand from its residents. Currently, there are miles of sidewalk and miles of bicycle lanes (2014 Pinellas Current end of Trail Loop at Belleair Road County MPO State of the System Report) countywide, but more still needs to be done. For example, 233 miles of additional sidewalk gaps have been identified and only 19.3 percent of roads have bicycle lanes. Public health officials have also awarded grants to the Pinellas County MPO as well as many local governments to assist in the development of plans and construction of infrastructure that promote physical activity, combat chronic disease, and expand mobility choices. These efforts contribute to further the goals of Pinellas By Design: An Economic Development & Redevelopment Plan for the Pinellas Community and the Pinellas Countywide Land Use Plan. Pinellas County experiences high levels of pedestrian and bicycle crashes, due largely to the current transportation network and its relationship to nearby land uses. Pinellas County has a legacy of roadways that fail to account for the safety of people on foot and on bicycle that it is working to address. The urgent need to Tampa Bay Times, November 16, 2013 act is compounded by projected demographic changes as well. The County s older population will grow rapidly as the Baby-Boom generation ages and the number of racial and ethnic minorities rises. These groups, along with children, are disproportionately represented in pedestrian deaths. Pinellas County also suffers from crippling levels of vehicle congestion due to our high population density, suburban development patterns, and lack of interconnected transportation choices for mobility. For example, in 2013, 20.3% of Pinellas County s 2,285 lane miles operated under congested conditions and 35 roadway facilities/segments were identified with a duration of congestion of 10 hours or greater (2014 Pinellas County MPO State of the System Report). A closer review of these facilities and segments through the MPO s congestion management process has determined that a combination of operational improvements, travel demand management, and a more diversified transportation network are needed to reduce our congestions levels. The completion of the Pinellas Trail Loop will help drive down these statistics by taking automobiles off the road and providing a safe haven for pedestrian and bicycle travel. The first Loop segments opened in 1990 on an abandoned railroad line. Since then, this 15-foot wide trail has represented transformative change in terms of providing a safe, accessible, off-road facility for transportation and recreational needs. Pinellas County has some of the highest levels of crashes involving bicycles and pedestrian nationwide. The Pinellas Trail provides a safe way to get to work, shopping, restaurants, and many other destinations. Safer bicycle and pedestrian travel will increase significantly when the Loop is complete, creating an environment that enhances the quality of life for Pinellas County residents, businesses and visitors. - Brian Smith, Vice President of the Florida Greenways and Trails Foundation Page 3

7 Increasing Economic Opportunities and Regional Mobility TIGER funding for completion of the Pinellas Trail Loop will connect people, particularly those in need of affordable and equitable transportation options, to major centers of employment, education, and recreation. There are approximately 22,502 people whose income falls under the Federal poverty level that live within 1 mile of the North Gap and South Gap, 45,105 racial and ethnic minorities that live within 1 mile of the North Gap and South Gap, and 8,518 dwelling units within 1 mile of the North Gap and South Gap that do not have access to an automobile (US Census Factfinder). Once the Loop is complete, seniors, working-class families, residents with disabilities, and veterans will have access to a low-cost transportation network that is connected to educational opportunities through the Pinellas Technical Education Center (PTEC), St. Petersburg College, etc. and to jobs through major employers such as Raymond James, Home Shopping Network, Jabil Circuit, etc. The completion of the Pinellas Trail Loop will fill these gaps in the region s transportation network and serve as a Ladder of Opportunity to improve this population s economic condition through better access to education and employment. The North Gap and the South Gap present significant barriers to current and potential trail users by limiting direct access to the trail from high density residential neighborhoods, employment centers, and educational institutions. Pinellas County commissioned an Economic Development Goal Study in 2002 to create a path to follow as the County increases in size and to improve the quality of the economy. The Goal Study projected Pinellas County would create 40,000 new jobs from 2003 to 2013 if the community did little or nothing to improve the economy. Since the projections were based upon the county doing little to cause economic growth, the study predicted there would be a decline in employment in the later years as a result of the county reaching a build out of greenfield industrial property. Due to a minimum effort to cause the formation of new primary jobs coupled with the recession experienced in the mid-2000 s, the reality is that Pinellas County has lost about 8,000 primary jobs from 2003 to 2013 (Economic Development Performance Evaluation of Pinellas County, Florida, ). Completing the Pinellas Trail Loop will provide a vital economic benefit, connecting people to jobs, while also enhancing the attractiveness of employers around the Loop. PROJECT LOCATION An estimated 487,800 people reside and 280,700 jobs are located within one-half (1/2) mile of the Pinellas Trail Loop (more than half of Pinellas County s residents). The two segments included in this grant application will provide regional benefits as well. The Loop will provide a connection to the Courtney Campbell Causeway Trail, a non-motorized bicycle and pedestrian facility that crosses Tampa Bay, connecting to the Tampa and Hillsborough County trail networks. In the coming months, Pinellas County will begin construction of the Tri-County Trail which will provide regional connectivity to the southern boundary of Pasco County where it meets the northern boundary of Pinellas County. In addition, the Pinellas Trail Loop will connect to the Florida Coast to Coast Connector Trail, an uninterrupted trail facility that will traverse the entire width of the State of Florida. Figure 1 shows the Florida Regional Priority Trail Connectors, Courtney Campbell Causeway Trail (Courtesy of Aerial Innovations Inc. / Ayres Associates) Page 4

8 BRADFORD Creating and Connecting Opportunities: Completing the Pinellas Trail Loop Printing Date: 2/12/2015 1:41:30 PM File:G:\8586\003\t01\Connectors\MXD\ RegionalPriorityTrailConnectors-11x17.mxd ALABAMA ESCAMBIA Crestview HOLMES Marianna OKALOOSA GEORGIA Fernandina MISSISSIPPI SANTA JACKSON ROSA « Beach WALTON 231 WASHINGTON «JEFFERSON NASSAU «GADSDEN CALHOUN LEON HAMILTON MADISON « Jacksonville DUVAL BAY BAKER « Live Oak Pensacola Tallahassee St. Lake LIBERTY SUWANNEE COLUMBIA Northeast 10 WAKULLA 90A Coast Marks City 98B Perry Panama TAYLOR « St. UNION City 98 CLAY Augustine GULF ST Beach FRANKLIN LAFAYETTE JOHNS Port 1B 319 Carrabelle Great Northwest Coast St. Joe 27A 129 Gainesville Palatka St. Johns River GILCHRIST ALACHUA Regional PUTNAM Connector DIXIE «95 to Hawthorne Sea Loop Cross 15 Flagler Nature Coast FLAGLER City Beach Regional Connector Cedar LEVY 17 Daytona Key MARION Deland Beach Old Florida Ocala VOLUSIA Dunnellon Regional Wildwood Connector 92 SUMTER CITRUS LAKE 1 19 Bushnell SEMINOLE Titusville Cape Heart of HERNANDO ORANGE Canaveral «55 Orlando Florida Loop Cocoa PASCO «400 «5 19A Atlantic Melbourne HILLSBOROUGH OSCEOLA Ocean Dunedin Palm Bay POLK BREVARD Tampa Lake Wales Vero PINELLAS «60 Beach INDIAN Gulf of RIVER St. MANATEE HARDEE «441 Mexico Petersburg 25 OKEECHOBEE 41B ST LUCIE HIGHLANDS Okeechobee Port St. Sarasota 700 SARASOTA DESOTO «70 Lucie «Venice MARTIN «27 45 Port Charlotte GLADES CHARLOTTE Legend Coast to Coast Regional Connector miles Northeast Coast Regional Connector miles Southwest Coast Regional Connector 225 miles Nature Coast Regional Connector miles Old Florida Regional Connector miles Great Northwest Coast Regional Connector miles River of Grass Greenway miles East Coast Greenway / Tropical Terminus miles Florida Keys Overseas Heritage Trail miles St Johns River to Sea Loop miles Southwest Coast Regional Connector 75 Ft. Myers Naples River of Grass Greenway LEE 41 COLLIER HENDRY «93 «90 MONROE Regional Connector PALM BEACH Ft. Lauderdale BROWARD «91 Miami MIAMI-DADE « Key Largo Coast to Coast Regional Connector Boynton Beach Boca Raton East Coast Greenway / Tropical Terminus Florida Keys Overseas Heritage Trail Regional Priority Trail Connectors Miles Heart of Florida Loop miles Key West Engineering - Landscape Architecture - Planning - GIS Figure 1. Regional Priority Trail Connectors including the Pinellas Trail Loop. With an average of 244 days of sunny weather each year, this multimodal transportation facility will be used year-round, providing maximum benefit to the community and improving the quality of life for people throughout the County and the region. Completing the Pinellas Trail Loop will provide a solution to the high demand for safe connections to economic advancement opportunities, providing the opportunity for healthier lifestyles while reducing roadway congestion and greenhouse gas emissions. Completing the Pinellas Trail Loop will represent the realization of a bold vision of a 75 mile multimodal transportation facility that will safely accommodate alternative travel modes and enhance access to and from employment, retail services, and residential areas. This project is not only prudent, it is a muchneeded regional transportation asset. PROJECT PARTIES A completed Pinellas Trails project will provide a quality of life benefit and an important, safe, and healthy transportation alternative for residents, commuters, and visitors. - George Cretekos, Mayor, City of Clearwater TITLE Data Source: FDEP OGT Basemap courtesy of Florida Department of Transportation Prepared Date: February 11, 2015 This map is for display purpose only. Any other use is not advised. The Pinellas County Board of County Commissioners is applying for the grant, partnering with the Pinellas County Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO). Both organizations have been strong proponents of multi-modal transportation, including support for pedestrian and bicycle facilities. Enhancing pedestrian and bicycle safety is a goal in Pinellas County s recently adopted Strategic Plan. The County and the MPO work together to support the Loop. Pinellas County maintains the current trail facilities and will continue to do so. The Pinellas Trail Loop and its various components are one of the most popular in the County, experiencing an average of more than 51,000 users a month (Pinellas County Parks & Conservation Resources Department). Page 5

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10 There is extensive support for the project throughout the region, as shown in the letters of support list provided in the partnership section of this document. All of the 24 Pinellas County municipalities support this project. Letters of support have been received from all municipalities either directly or through the Barrier Islands Government Council (BIG-C). Local jurisdictions have invested more than $37 million dollars into expanding the Loop trail network, creating nearly 90 miles of trail facilities throughout Pinellas County. GRANT FUNDS AND SOURCES/USE OF PROJECT FUNDS This project requests $19,156,129 in funding to complete the two Pinellas Trail Loop gaps, a North Gap and a South Gap. Figure 2 portrays the Loop gaps in detail. Table 1 shows the overall project cost and funding, by source. A budget is available in Appendix A. As the remaining segments of the Pinellas Trail Loop will be constructed using a design-build contract, a more detailed budget will be developed during project design, and is therefore not yet available. Alternative alignments and crossings are available, if necessary, to compensate for any unanticipated expenses. Table 1 Project Funding Cost Phase 1, North Gap (Enterprise Rd. to Brighthouse Field) $5,589,066 Phase 2, North Gap (Chesnut Park to Enterprise Rd.) $9,252,860 Phase 3, South Gap (Belleair Rd. to Ulmerton Rd.) $4,560,255 Phase 4, South Gap (Ulmerton Rd. to San Martin and Miscellaneous*) $11,681,049 Total $31,083,230 * Includes intersections/signalization, design & survey, mobilization, MOT, geotech and testing, unforeseen additional items, contingency, as-builts / project close out Local Match Pinellas Trail Extension Program, North Gap $3,077,100 Pinellas/Duke Energy Trail Extension, North Gap $4,912,000 N.E. Coachman Road at Coachman Road Intersection Improvement, North Gap $400,000 Old Coachman Road over Alligator Creek Bridge Replacement, North Gap $300,000 Intersection Improvements, North Gap** $1,055,200 San Martin Blvd. over Riviera Bay Bridge Replacement, South Gap*** $600,000 Intersection Improvements, South Gap** $1,582,800 Total $11,927,100 ** Intersection improvements include as-needed crossing improvements, 40% for North Gap and 60% for South Gap *** San Martin Bridge funds allocated for this project are separate from the funds set aside for a federal grant match for the bridge construction Funding Breakdown Total Cost $31,083,230 Local Match $11,927,100 Local Match (%) 38.37% TIGER Grant Request $19,156,130 TIGER Grant Request (%) 61.63% Note: The pre-application had a project total of $32,000,000, including a TIGER request of $20,000,000 and a local match of $12,000,000. Page 7

11 PRIMARY SELECTION CRITERIA State of Good Repair This project will reduce vehicle miles traveled in the County and help maintain a state of good repair on surrounding transportation facilities. Completing the Pinellas Trail Loop will improve the resiliency of Pinellas County by enhancing the facilities available for alternative modes of transportation and providing a safe connection to other modes of transportation. When completed, this will place more than half of the residents of the County within one mile of an uninterrupted 75 mile non-motorized Current maintenance project on existing section of transportation facility, increasing accessibility for Pinellas Trail Loop everyone in the County. The Loop enhances resiliency by providing a transportation option that increases the mobility of Pinellas County residents and visitors. CREATING A RELIABLE MULTIMODAL NETWORK Completing the Pinellas Trail Loop will leverage decades of taxpayer investment in bicycle and pedestrian facilities while utilizing existing infrastructure, such as existing right-of-way and the Duke Energy utility corridor, to complete missing pieces of the Loop. Completing the Pinellas Trail Loop is a high priority for Pinellas County, the Pinellas County MPO and involved partners. This proposed project is consistent with local and regional planning documents. The two segments included in this grant application are included on the Regional Priority List for Regional Multi-Use Trails. Plan Document Consistency Pinellas County Comprehensive Plan Capital Improvements Element Pinellas County MPO Long Range Transportation Plan West Central Florida MPO s Chairs Coordinating Committee Regional Long Range Transportation Plan Multi-Use Trails Element Pinellas County and its partners maintain the current Pinellas Trail Loop and are committed to providing regular maintenance and ensuring a long-term state of good repair for the entire Loop, once it is completed. Funding for the project is both stable and sustainable. Pinellas County s commitment to the Loop, including the funding of its operations and maintenance costs, have been proven through decades of investment. This project will complete the final sections of the Pinellas Trail Loop and support additional economic development opportunities that will generate increased revenue to maintain the state of good repair for the facility into the future. The first Loop segments opened in 1990 on an abandoned railroad line. Since then, this 15- foot wide trail has transformed the pedestrian and bicycle facilities available to County residents and visitors. The original backbone of the Loop, the Pinellas Trail, has been hailed as a priceless haven in a busy, highly urbanized environment, winning numerous awards, including induction into the National Rails to Trails Hall of Fame and twice receiving the Best Trail of Florida award from the Florida Office of Greenways and Trails. This has brought lasting positive change to Pinellas County that will be significantly enhanced and continued by completing the loop. Page 8

12 Economic Competitiveness Completing the Pinellas Trail Loop will increase the overall economic competitiveness of Pinellas County, bolstering the County s long-term economic success and providing a short-term economic boost. The Pinellas Trail Loop integrates existing transportation infrastructure and provides access to major employment centers, schools (including institutions of higher education and technical schools) and commercial facilities. Our Chamber represents some 500 businesses whose employees regularly enjoy the benefits of the Pinellas Trail system. It provides an important transit alternative for citizens. - Tom Morrissette, President, Central Pinellas Chamber of Commerce The increased Loop access expands the labor pool for employers located near the Pinellas Trail and provides alternative methods of travel for those patronizing nearby businesses (Figure 3) IMPROVING ECONOMIC MOBILITY The interconnected Loop provides a long-term, safe and sustainable transportation option that will generate economic development opportunities along its 75 mile route. There are several downtown areas and identified Environmental Justice areas along the Loop, as shown in Figure 4. By providing connections to transportation alternatives, including public transportation, the Loop fulfills missing links to the ladders of success for individuals in the community. In addition, these alternatives provide much-needed connections to educational and commercial opportunities. This will provide access to advancement opportunities for education and employment. Table 2 shows jobs located near the Loop. Table 2 Jobs Near Loop North Gap South Gap Entire Loop Half Mile One Mile Half Mile One Mile Half Mile One Mile Major Employers: On-Site Jobs 4,424 13,764 35,274 47,711 62, ,957 Jobs 34,280 58,308 86, , , ,367 Note: Major employers - those with 100 or more employees, provided by Pinellas County Economic Development Department The potential to enhance economic competitiveness can be seen in a number of ways, but one particularly noteworthy example is in Clearwater, Pinellas County s second most populous city. The North Gap segment in Clearwater provides access to the Westfield Countryside Plaza, a commercial center that includes a major Pinellas Suncoast Transit Authority (PSTA) transit transfer facility, serving seven (7) transit routes. Five of these routes are traditional bus routes and two are called connector routes, routes that not only have a fixed schedule, but will deviate from the route up to ¾ of a mile from the set route. One of the connector routes provides service to Tampa, the only bus service currently available from Pinellas County to Tampa on Saturdays. Figure 4 shows the bus stops and transfer locations. Bus stop along existing Pinellas Trail Loop With the completion of the Trail Loop, PSTA riders would be able to utilize the Pinellas Trail Loop to get to/from the bus, either on foot or via bike. Completion of the North Gap will provide Page 9

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14 direct and safe access for pedestrians and bicyclists to reach this important commercial center and bus transfer facility. With an estimated 78% of users (2014 MPO Pinellas Trail Survey) utilizing the Trail for non-recreational purposes, the North Gap has the potential to provide a significant benefit by increasing the access to jobs and major commercial centers, where retail and other consumer demands can be satisfied. The South Gap traverses the Gateway area of St. Petersburg, a major employment and regional activity center. Completing the Pinellas Trail Loop will provide an alternative multi-modal transportation facility, increasing access to employers, removing vehicles from the congested roadway network, improving air Commuter using existing Pinellas Trail Loop in downtown Clearwater quality, and promoting livability. The South Gap will provide access to the 94-acre Jabil Circuit Headquarters, as well as to Home Shopping Network and Raymond James and Associates, Inc. Approximately 86,000 jobs are within one half mile (1/2) of the South Gap. Completing the Pinellas Trail Loop will greatly improve employee access to jobs and help alleviate traffic congestion. The South Gap traverses the PSTA 34th Street Transfer Center, which is located next to PSTA s Headquarters. The 34th Street Transfer Center includes five routes. Additional Loop bus connections in the South Gap include an express bus that goes from St. Petersburg to downtown Tampa. As we look at options for our 1,100 employee team; enhancement of the transportation and lifestyle amenities play an important role. Completing the Pinellas Trail Loop will provide important change for Pinellas County, by increasing the mobility of residents while also increasing the mobility of the labor pool from which Jabil can draw. - Christopher O. Johnson, Senior Director, Government and Civil Engagement, Jabil PROVIDING ECONOMIC OPPORTUNITIES Major employers and business parks are located near the Pinellas Trail Loop (as shown in figure X), including the C.W. Bill Young VA Medical Center. Completing the Pinellas Trail Loop will provide access from areas with high concentrations of lowincome and minorities to employment and commercial centers, as well as educational facilities, such as the Pinellas Technical College (PTEC) and St. Petersburg College (SPC). This will provide crucial opportunities that will allow Pinellas County residents to work to expand the middle class by providing a low-cost, convenient method of transportation. CareerSource Pinellas, the local workforce development entity, has several offices throughout Pinellas County. One office is located in close proximity to the South Gap. Increasing access to the services provided by CareerSource Pinellas will allow for increased workforce development and access to potential jobs and much-needed services. In addition to traversing areas identified by the MPO as Environmental Justice focus areas (Figure 4), the Trail Loop gaps include brownfield areas, such as the Ulmerton Road Opportunity Corridor. The North Gap is located within ½ mile of a Clearwater HUBZone, a program to encourage economic development in historically underutilized business zones. Additional connections to economic development opportunities such as these are available along the entire Trail Loop. Page 11

15 In the short-term, the design and construction of the projects (the North Gap and the South Gap) associated with Completing the Pinellas Trail Loop will create a number of employment opportunities and remove physical barriers currently in place that limit access to educational and employment centers. Completing the Pinellas Trail Loop will strengthen the economic competitiveness of Pinellas County in that it completes the integration of a multi-purpose transportation facility with the county s comprehensive, multi-modal network. The North and South Gaps are key links to numerous destinations and to the countywide trail network, allowing for safer and more efficient pedestrian and bicycle travel. Through the implementation of a connected trail system that links employment and residential areas, the Pinellas Trail Loop will be an attractive transportation option for all residents. This is particularly needed in Pinellas County in order to attract and retain younger residents. There are numerous higher education facilities along the Pinellas Trail Loop, including PTEC, career and technical postsecondary education centers, and multiple St. Petersburg College campuses. By Completing the Pinellas Trail Loop, more than half of Pinellas County will be able to walk or ride a bike to access educational opportunities, jobs and retail services, as well as access to public transportation through the connections between the transit system and the Trail. This project will also have a positive impact on small businesses. Pinellas County has a Small Business Enterprise Current gap in the Gateway area of St. Petersburg (SBE) Program that provides mechanisms that enhance contracting opportunities for SBEs. The current program includes local businesses that are independently owned and are not dominant in their field of operation. The program includes a Sheltered Market Component that allows Pinellas County to recommend certain contracts be made available only to SBEs. The SBE Program assures taxpayers and the local business community that there is a system in place that preserves contract opportunities for small businesses to conduct business with the County. Small businesses have thrived around existing Loop segments, such as those in downtown Dunedin. The Pinellas Trail Loop has demonstrated that it facilitates transformative economic development along its current route. For example, when the Pinellas Trail Loop opened in the City of Dunedin in 1992, it spurred a revitalization of the downtown Dunedin area. With the opening of the Trail, commuting and recreational bicyclists and pedestrians were brought to and through the City s downtown and began patronizing its shops and restaurants. Throughout existing Trail areas, new businesses have opened that market directly to Trail users and capitalize on passer-by traffic, such as bicycle shops, restaurants and more that market to Trail users by providing bike racks and advertising refreshments and restroom facilities. Similar results can be expected for other communities, a result of increases in access for commuters, residents and visitors, thus expanding the number of customers available to local businesses and promoting economic development throughout the county. This project would impact our students and staff at the Clearwater, Tarpon Springs, Seminole, Downtown, St. Petersburg Gills, and the Midtown campuses as well as the Veterinary Technology Center. Once the trail is completed, the EpiCenter and District Office would be less than a quarter of a mile from a new section of the trail. As you can see, the looping of the Pinellas Trail would be very beneficial to St. Petersburg College. - William D. Law, Jr., President, St. Petersburg College Page 12

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17 Quality of Life The Pinellas Trail Users Survey found that 90% of respondents would use new connecting trails to parks and other destinations or trails along the corridor. INCREASING COMMUNITY TRANSPORTATION OPTIONS Improving our transportation system through the completion of the Pinellas Trail Loop will promote ladders of opportunity for many individuals, helping to lift them and their families out of poverty. Investments like this that help to reduce or eliminate poverty are a more efficient use of our tax dollars, and produce better results, than paying to manage poverty, which for Pinellas County is estimated to cost $2.5 billion annually. - Darden Rice, St. Petersburg City Councilwoman and MPO Board The current Trail Loop near Ozona Elementary School Member With fewer cars on the road, and fewer vehicle miles traveled, the efficiency and effectiveness of the overall transportation system will increase. This project benefits more than just one mode of transportation. By removing vehicles from the road, the remaining vehicles will have less congestion to contend with, thus improving travel time and boosting the economy through reduced delivery delays. Through improved and safer connections to transit services, more people will be able to choose transit for their daily trips, further reducing congestion and vehicle miles traveled on the surrounding road network. The utilization of an existing utility right-of-way will demonstrate project efficiency by giving an additional purpose to existing infrastructure and maximizing the use of existing resources. This project directly supports Goal 2 of the adopted Pinellas County MPO Long Range Transportation Plan: Provide a balanced and integrated multi-modal transportation system for local and regional travel. Completing the Pinellas Trail Loop will improve livability in the neighborhoods and communities directly surrounding the Trail and throughout the county as a whole, providing for safe and efficient travel for those utilizing alternative modes and overall enhancing the quality of life for Pinellas County residents and visitors. In order to provide a viable alternative to the single-occupant vehicle, Pinellas County and the MPO seek to reduce the cost of mobility, improve transportation choices and expand the trails network. Completing the Pinellas Trail Loop will improve intermodal connections between residential areas, commercial development, and transit stops, thus providing an important link between transportation and land use. In addition, the buses used by the PSTA are equipped with bicycle racks, further encouraging multiple modes for one trip and accommodating bicycle riders who either do not want to drive a personal vehicle or do not own one. In 2014, PSTA carried 408,000 bikes on buses. By Completing the Pinellas Trail Loop, transit riders with bicycles will have increased access to this alternative transportation facility, presenting them with a safer alternative to traveling along high-speed roads. Completing the Pinellas Trail Loop will provide even more access to transit for bicyclists, further Page 14

18 enhancing this popular intermodal connection. Transit is closely located near the Loop, as demonstrated in Table 3. The Pinellas Trail Loop provides direct access to Environmental Justice areas, shown in Figure 4, where there are high numbers of low income and Table 3 Transit Availability, 1/2 Mile Buffer, In or Intersecting the Loop minority residents. Completing the Pinellas Trail Bus Routes Bus Stops Loop will provide an affordable and convenient transportation facility to connect residents to 41 (91% of all routes) 1,567 (30% of all stops) transit, employment and commercial centers, improving their mobility and their overall quality of life. For example, in the High Point neighborhood, the Loop will provide access to technical centers, workforce development facilities, grocery stores and employment centers which are currently largely inaccessible due to the current design of the transportation network. High Point qualifies as a Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) eligible community with more than 51% of households having an annual income of 80% less than the area median income level, as established by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. The County has invested nearly $2.1 million (year of expenditure) in CDBG resources to develop a YMCA facility that provides programs and support services to families and children. The County has also invested approximately $1.5 million to acquire lands and develop a 7,600 square foot facility, housing the High Point Neighborhood Family Center. Since 1998, Pinellas County has invested almost $13 million in federal, state and local resources to improving the community. In addition to traversing areas of higher concentrations of minority and low-income populations, the Loop travels through areas associated with food deserts, shown in detail in Figure 5. By connecting residents of food deserts with grocery stores and other opportunities for purchasing affordable groceries, the Loop will provide a much-needed transportation option to access healthy foods at a reasonable cost. The presence of trails also benefits businesses by creating a healthier workforce and lowering health insurance premiums through healthier lifestyle choices associated with walking and bicycling. The benefits of the Pinellas Trail Loop are not limited to just Pinellas County residents and visitors. The Pinellas Trail Loop promotes active living which serves as a draw to young workers and the businesses that want to employ them. Pinellas County has approximately 94,997 veterans and many are in need of safe, low-cost transportation as they transition from military service to the civilian community. Furthermore, the completion of the Pinellas Trail Loop would also assist many disabled veterans with their rehabilitation from combat-related injuries by providing a continuous recreational facility where they can exercise to improve their strength, motor skills, and quality of life. - Lourdes Benedict, Director, Pinellas County Human Services The Pinellas Trail Loop is currently popular and successful, providing a unique quality of life experience for residents and visitors alike. Completing the Pinellas Trail Loop will increase the number of residents that can directly access and utilize the Trail and serves as an amenity that new residents seek and businesses are attracted to. The Pinellas Trail Loop will help retain and draw residents from diverse backgrounds, particularly younger generations, that can serve the needs of current and future employers. By serving as an amenity and attraction for both current and future residents and businesses, the Pinellas Trail Loop increases community and neighborhood vibrancy, making surrounding areas more desirable places to live, work and play. Page 15

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20 Overpass, U.S. 19 and Enterprise Road Wrong way bicyclist on U.S. 19 frontage road Environmental Sustainability AVOIDING ADVERSE ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS ON AIR QUALITY The health benefits provided by Completing the Pinellas Trail Loop cannot be understated. Completing the Pinellas Trail Loop will provide people with a strong alternative to their vehicles, reducing congestion, improving air quality through reduced vehicle emissions, and improving the health of Trail users. Sustainability balances the competing economic, social and environmental needs of a community. Completing the Pinellas Trail Loop will foster a more environmentally sustainable transportation option, because by offering residents and visitors multiple viable and attractive transportation options, the number of vehicle trips will be reduced. More energy efficient transportation modes, such as bicycling and walking, which also connect to the PSTA transit system, will reduce greenhouse gas emissions and the consumption of non-renewable energy sources. Best estimates from the benefit cost analysis include reducing vehicle miles traveled (VMT) by 51,646 in the North Gap and 50,148 in the South Gap. This is a result of more than 5,600 vehicles being replaced by new pedestrians and bicyclists. The transportation sector is one of the primary contributors of greenhouse gas emissions. By providing trail facilities that encourage and support the use of alternative forms of transportation, Pinellas County and the MPO aim to remove vehicles from the roadway, thereby reducing greenhouse gas emissions and improving air quality in the region. Pinellas County is part of a regional airshed for the purposes of determining compliance with the ozone standard. While the region is currently in attainment, any tightening in ozone emission standards, as is currently being discussed, is likely to put the region into nonattainment status and require conformity. Completing the Pinellas Trail Loop will help keep ozone emissions from rising and provide a significant benefit for the environmental sustainability of the entire region. Based on the most recent Pinellas Trail Users Survey, 78% use the Pinellas Trail for non-recreational reasons, resulting in fewer vehicle miles traveled on the surrounding surface roads. Best estimates predict savings of over $752,000 due to reduced emissions. Page 17

21 If results from existing segments of the Pinellas Trail Loop are replicated by Completing the Pinellas Trail Loop, the number of commuters will be much higher. Keeping these cyclists and pedestrians out of cars and off of the roads will improve travel time on the surrounding road network, lower greenhouse gas emissions and provide a significant benefit to the environment. Current infrastructure will also be sustained over a longer period of time. As a coastal community, Pinellas County is aware of the potential effects of climate change, including sea level rise. The alignments for the North Gap and South Gap were evaluated using the sea level rise projections contained in the FDOT s Sketch Planning Tool. The analysis concluded that no impacts to these segments are anticipated through 2100 using the United States Army Corps of Engineer s high curve. The Loop will be resilient and provide a key non-motorized connection that will help to mitigate the effects of climate change on the community. Transportation system safety is a vital component of livable communities. As Florida s most densely populated county and with a roadway network that is substantially built-out, safely accommodating all modes of travel has become increasingly complex in Pinellas County. Safety FOSTERING A SAFE, CONNECTED AND ACCESSIBLE TRANSPORTATION SYSTEM In 2014, a total of 1,139 crashes involved vulnerable bicycle and pedestrian users of the transportation system. (Pinellas County MPO, Crash Data Management System, 2014) Completing the Pinellas Trail Loop will provide non-motorized modes of transportation with a safe, dedicated and continuous facility, linking residential, employment, commercial, recreational and institutional uses. Providing vulnerable users such as bicyclists and pedestrians with an alternative to facilities shared with automobile and truck traffic will reduce crashes, particularly the serious and fatal crashes that are often the result of conflicts between bicyclists or pedestrians and motor vehicles. U.S. Highway 19 and McMullen Booth/East Lake Road are the principal roadways that run parallel to the North Gap of the Pinellas Trail Loop. These two corridors include some of the highest crash intersections in Pinellas County, while also being amongst the most congested with some of the highest traffic volumes. Bicycle and Pedestrian Crashes within 1/2 Mile of the Loop Gaps (2014 Crash Data) Injuries Fatalities North Gap 10 0 South Gap 22 6 Total 32 6 Tampa Bay Times, April 27, 2014 Seven (7) of the top 25 crash locations in Pinellas County are located nearby the gaps. Of these, the intersection of U.S. 19 and Tampa Road, the top crash location, experienced three (3) crashes in 2013 involving bicyclists and pedestrians. The number one location for Table 4 pedestrian crashes is located within one mile of the South Gap. In 2013 alone, this location experienced four (4) crashes involving pedestrians. The second highest intersection for bicycle crashes in Pinellas County is within one mile of the North Gap and experienced nine (9) crashes involving bicyclists in Figures 6 shows bicycle and pedestrian injuries and fatalities, as does Table 4. The South Gap of the Pinellas Trail Loop traverses the Gateway area where the roadway network carries substantial volumes of both Page 18

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23 local and regional vehicle trips. This area experiences significant heavy truck traffic, given the industrial nature of portions of the area, resulting in conflict between the modes, due to the lack of safe facilities for non-motorized users. Completing the Pinellas Trail Loop will improve safety for bicyclists and pedestrians by providing them with a facility on which they can commute and travel, without having to travel along roads with high volumes of vehicular traffic, thereby reducing the potential conflicts with motor vehicles. This safer environment will reduce the number of bike and pedestrian crashes. Maintaining safety on the Pinellas Trail Loop is an existing priority of the County, MPO and their partners. The Pinellas Trail Security Task Force, composed of law enforcement officers and local officials, meets quarterly to share information on the Trail. An Emergency Marker Program has been developed so that users can easily identify their location on the Trail in the event of an emergency or to report a maintenance issue. Overpasses and underpasses have been constructed to safely move users across many of the busier intersections, as well as rectangular rapid flash beacons (RRFBs). In addition, there is a Volunteer/Auxiliary Ranger program to monitor the Trail and assist users and the Pinellas County Parks and Conservation Resources Rangers patrol the Trail, along with municipal and County law enforcement personnel. Providing Pinellas County residents and visitors with a dedicated multi-modal facility will contribute towards increased pedestrian and bicycle safety. This includes the number, rate and consequence of crashes, particularly those resulting in serious injuries and fatalities involving Pinellas County bicyclists and pedestrians. Completing the last two segments of the Trail network will result in an estimated 75 mile continuous loop further enhancing the network s function and sustaining on-going efforts to reduce congestion and improve air quality by reducing vehicle miles traveled and getting people to change to non-motorized modes of transportation. - U.S. Senator Bill Nelson SECONDARY SELECTION CRITERIA Innovation Completing the Pinellas Trail Loop demonstrates innovation by utilizing existing infrastructure to increase the capacity of the transportation system while providing for a safe and secure multi-modal transportation facility. The project presents cost effective options for increasing capacity. Pinellas County, the MPO and involved partners have developed this innovative Pinellas Trail Loop to encourage a shift to non-motorized modes of transportation, helping to alleviate congestion on the road network and improve the safety of those utilizing modes other than the automobile. The Pinellas Trail Loop will leverage existing infrastructure and investments to provide more transportation choices and benefit the entire transportation system in Pinellas County. The project is innovative in its use of bioretention swales for stormwater collection, filtration of nutrients and discharge to nearby water bodies. The project will be constructed using design-build, an innovative method that allows for the cost and risk to be effectively managed, and for a quicker overall process. Page 20

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25 Completing the Pinellas Trail Loop also demonstrates innovation through its public-private partnership with Duke Energy to utilize existing utility right-of-way to construct the majority of these final Trail segments. By leveraging this existing asset in the community, additional infrastructure costs can be reduced, if not avoided. Partnership Completing the Pinellas Trail Loop is a project that exemplifies strong collaboration among a broad range of participants, including Pinellas County, the MPO, Duke Energy, the Florida Department of Transportation, the Pinellas Suncoast Transit Authority, private businesses and all Pinellas County municipalities. Completing the Pinellas Trail Loop clearly integrates transportation with other public benefits, such as environmental protection and the provision of recreational facilities. Jurisdictional and Stakeholder Collaboration Completing the Pinellas Trail Loop will provide transformative change by providing new accessibility to more and better job opportunities in the Carillon and greater Gateway area - the county s largest employment center, for those living in high density apartment communities as well as residents of economically disadvantaged neighborhoods located along or near the gaps. - Jim Kennedy, St. Petersburg City Councilman and MPO Chair Pinellas County will be the implementing partner, managing the construction and maintenance. The MPO seeks to improve transportation countywide for all principal modes of travel, including mass transit, walking and bicycling. In addition to Pinellas County and the MPO, all municipalities in the County support the completion of the Pinellas Trail Loop, either directly or through the Barrier Islands Governmental Council (BIG-C). Regionally, six additional MPOs have supported Completing the Pinellas Trail Loop through its incorporation into the Regional Long Range Transportation Plan. The Pinellas Trail Loop provides direct connections to trails within the county and extending into other counties in the region. The County and MPO have been collaborating with other agencies in the region to support the Pinellas Trail Loop as a regional facility and it continues to remain a high priority across the region. Letters of support are included in Appendix B and a list is provided on the following page. Pinellas County and the MPO are partnering with Duke Energy to use their utility easement for a significant portion of this project. This partnership allows for the utilization of the existing utility easement, providing a unique and functional trail corridor that not only provides a recreational opportunity, but serves as a safe alternative transportation facility for employment, school traffic and other non-recreational trips. In anticipation of Completing the Loop, The Florida Department of Transportation has already constructed an overpass at U.S. Highway 19 and an underpass at SR 688/Ulmerton Road for the Pinellas Trail Loop (see Figure 8). Another overpass segment is currently under construction at Allen s Creek. In addition, FDOT has committed to constructing the trail segment along Roosevelt Boulevard (SR 686) at a value of $1.5 million for 2.3 miles of trail. Pinellas Trails Inc., the Auxiliary Rangers and Keep Pinellas Beautiful are other private sector partners that will help to provide additional maintenance and security for the entire Pinellas Trail Loop. The County will partner with the City of Clearwater to utilize right-of-way for a portion of the Trail in the North Gap. Page 22

26 Support for Completing the Pinellas Trail Loop Federal Elected Officials U.S. Senator Bill Nelson David W. Jolly, U.S. Representative, Florida District 13 Kathy Castor, U.S. Representative, Florida District 14 Gus M. Bilirakis, U.S. Representative, Florida District 12 Private Businesses AliveTek BayCare Bayfront Health Duke Energy Derby Lane Empath Health HSN Jabil My Marketing Department, Inc. Plasma-Therm PowerDesign Renker Eich Parks Architects St. Pete Wealth Management Group of Raymond James (Raymond James & Associates) Local Governments City of Belleair Bluffs City of Clearwater City of Dunedin City of Gulfport City of Largo City of Oldsmar City of Pinellas Park City of Safety Harbor City of Seminole City of South Pasadena City of St. Petersburg City of Tarpon Springs Town of Belleair Town of Kenneth City Other Governmental Entities Barrier Islands Governmental Council (BIG-C) Florida Department of Health, County Health Department Director Pinellas County Board of County Commissioners Pinellas County Economic Development Pinellas County Metropolitan Planning Organization Pinellas County Veterans Services Pinellas Planning Council Pinellas Suncoast Transit Authority (PSTA) Sheriff Bob Gualtieri, Pinellas County Sheriff s Office Tampa Bay Area Regional Transportation Authority (TBARTA) Tampa Bay Regional Planning Council Educational Institutions Clearwater Central Catholic High School Pinellas County Schools, Career, Technical and Adult Education Pinellas County Schools, Superintendent St. Petersburg College University of South Florida St. Petersburg Chambers of Commerce and Economic Development Central Pinellas Chamber of Commerce Clearwater Regional Chamber of Commerce Pinellas Park/Gateway Chamber of Commerce St. Petersburg Area Chamber of Commerce Visit St. Petersburg/Clearwater Trail and Community Organizations Council of North County Neighborhoods Florida Bicycle Association Florida Greenways & Trails Foundation, Inc. Joy Hancock, Assist. Dir. Florida Bike Spring Tour (dir. Bike Florida Boutique Tours) Pinellas Trails, Inc. 57 Letters from Citizens The Pinellas County Department of Parks and Conservation Resources has committed to operating and maintaining the Trail. Utilizing partnerships will serve to lower costs and promote efficiency by leveraging existing resources. Page 23

27 Disciplinary Integration Completing the Pinellas Trail Loop exemplifies the integration of a variety of disciplines. This includes: The Pinellas County Department of Public Works, which will be overseeing the design-build contract; The Pinellas County Parks and Conservation Resources Department, responsible for the maintenance of the facility and for providing Park Rangers to monitor the Loop; Pinellas County Economic Development, promoting the project among its contacts; The City of St. Petersburg, coordinating this project with others in the area; The Pinellas Planning Council, a countywide land use agency, recognizing the importance of coordinating not Completing the Pinellas Trail Loop will connect people to jobs, schools, and commercial businesses via a safe, multimodal transportation network - all within Florida s most densely populated urban county. This project will provide increased economic opportunity while improving safety - a project of which we can be proud. - Karen Seel, Pinellas County Commissioner and MPO Board Member only land use and transportation, but combines economic, housing and infrastructure goals together; and Duke Energy and the City of Clearwater for providing access to right-of-way for the construction of the Trail segments. In addition to the direct project partners listed above, Completing the Loop involves a number of participants across many disciplines. This includes local governments, social service agencies such as those providing services to veterans, chambers of commerce and more. Over 100 letters of support from elected officials, government partners, the business community, trail organizations and citizens have been received. BENEFIT-COST ANALYSIS Pinellas County is requesting $19,156,129 in TIGER grant funds for Completing the Pinellas Trail Loop. The total project cost is estimated at $31,083,229. Pinellas County has already programmed the local match funds of $11,927,100 in its Capital Improvement Program (Appendix E). Due to declining revenues for transportation improvements and the magnitude of this project, without the receipt of this grant funding, it is not anticipated that the projects associated with Completing the Pinellas Trail Loop will be completed in the near future. Table 5 shows the benefit-cost ratio of Completing the Pinellas Trail Loop, broken out by North and South Gaps. The full benefit-cost analysis is provided in Appendix C. Overall, the benefit-cost ratio for Completing the Loop is nearly $35 to each dollar, using best estimates at a 7% discount rate. Factors included in the benefit-cost analysis include reducing pedestrian and bicycle fatalities and injuries, increased access to current workplace, increased access to jobs and education, increased access to basic needs (such as food and medical services) and having less automobiles on the road. In addition to the information analyzed for the benefit-cost analysis, there is an estimated benefit of over $68 million in direct medical benefits from construction. This is estimated based on a study in Lincoln, Nebraska, which found that for every $1 spent on trails, $2.94 is gained in direct medical benefits. Completing the Loop will result in over $23 million in trail investment, including design and construction (Health Promotion Practice, A Cost-Benefit Analysis of Physical Activity using Bike/Pedestrian Trails 2004). Page 24

28 Table 5 Benefit-Cost Results North Gap Benefit-Cost Net Present Value Benefit-Cost Analysis of Benefits Costs Ratio Benefits with 7% Discount Rate High Estimate $922,652,549 $17,652, Best Estimate $485,784,202 $17,652, Low Estimate $385,156,423 $17,652, Benefits with 3% Discount Rate High Estimate $1,273,047,552 $17,826, Best Estimate $670,270,071 $17,826, Low Estimate $531,426,962 $17,826, South Gap Benefits with 7% Discount Rate High Estimate $1,514,069,478 $21,053, Best Estimate $1,063,210,420 $21,053, Low Estimate $959,359,614 $21,053, Benefits with 3% Discount Rate High Estimate $2,089,066,405 $21,053, Best Estimate $1,466,984,972 $21,053, Low Estimate $1,323,694,830 $21,053, Entire Loop Benefits with 7% Discount Rate High Estimate $2,115,906,002 $38,303, Best Estimate $1,339,703,770 $38,303, Low Estimate $1,160,913,835 $38,303, Benefits with 3% Discount Rate High Estimate $3,116,725,614 $39,223, Best Estimate $1,973,381,167 $39,223, Low Estimate $1,710,023,925 $39,223, PROJECT READINESS Technical Feasibility Completing the Pinellas Trail Loop will involve the utilization of non-traditional construction techniques (through design-build) in existing right-of-way. The North Gap will use both existing Duke Energy utility corridor right-ofway and right-of-way along state, county and municipal roadways. The South Gap will utilize existing Duke Energy utility right-of-way, in addition to utilizing state and county right-of-way and over/ underpasses where available. Alternative alignments using public and private properties and right-of-way are available and feasible. Further design will be completed with part of this grant funding. Cost estimates were based on mileage, and also include allowances for engineering, design, project administration and management, and potential cost overruns. Built into the budget is a contingency rate. Each segment of Completing the Pinellas Trail Loop has independent utility, but as the final pieces of the Pinellas Trail Loop, these segments function as part of a complete, multi-modal transportation facility. A Statement of Work is included as Appendix A. Financial Feasibility Since 1991, more than $82.5 million (2015$) has been invested in creating the existing Pinellas Trail Loop. More than $37.8 million local dollars have contributed to the Loop through local sources, such as sales tax revenue and impact fees. Over $6 million has been provided by the State of Florida, which has committed additional funds for part of the Loop completion. Finally, the federal government has contributed more than $38.4 million dollars through various sources, including Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality Improvement (CMAQ), Transportation Enhancements (TE) and federal appropriations. Local funding for Completing the Pinellas Trail Loop is being provided by the Penny for Pinellas infrastructure sales tax. The Pinellas County Capital Improvements Program includes the local funding Page 25

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